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Living in China can be challenging, especially when you first arrive. The language, culture, food, people and customs are all likely to be very different to what you’re used to. However, living in China can be a very fulfilling and enriching experience if you make an effort to get involved in your community. Sure, you might be working or going to school here, but there are tons of other ways to be an active member of your community and make your China experience the best it can be.

Sports Teams

Sports and keeping fit are a big part of life in China, so no matter which city you live in there’s guaranteed to be a sports team looking for new people. Some will be more serious than others, but for the most part the level of competitiveness can be compared to intramural teams in Western universities.

Being part of a sports team is a great way to stay healthy, surround yourself with like-minded people and expand your social circle. Check city websites, magazines or simply ask around to find the right team for you. Chances are pretty high that friends or colleagues will know of a league, a pick-up game or an organisation that’s on the hunt for new members.

Internship / Volunteer

If you’re working a full-time job while living in China, an internship might be out of the question. But for students or those will a little more free-time, internships and working as a volunteer are both superb ways to learn something and give back to your community. Plus, they both look excellent on a resume!

Bands / Music

Perhaps you played an instrument in high-school or college but ever since then it’s been sitting in your closet. Well now’s the time to dust it off and get back to playing.

China has a thriving music scene, ranging from jazz, punk-rock, classical and acoustic, to experimental EDM. No matter what style interests you, joining a band or playing at open mic events will allow you to hone your skills and meet people who like the type of music you like. Who knows, maybe someone will like your music so much they’ll start paying you to perform!

Random Events

There’s always a ton of things happening in China. Guest lecturers, presentations, events, galas, parties, you name it. Attending these functions as a guest is the definition of being part of your community. You’re engaging with what’s happening and interacting with other people who have similar interests.

Although many of these events are interesting, the biggest benefit is the social enhancement they bring. You’ll be meeting people, exchanging ideas and perhaps even collaborating together down the road.

Professional networking events are a great resource for those job hunting in China, but even going to a trivia night at your local bar is a good way to meet people and actively serve as a participant in your community. The best aspect of being part of your community in China is meeting and getting to know other people. If you put yourself out there, people will respond and you’ll make friends, best friends and maybe even find yourself some romance.

Yes, we all have schedules, and relaxing is just as important as work, but don’t forget that there is a whole world happening around you in China. Don’t be afraid to jump right in!

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All comments are subject to moderation by eChinacities.com staff. Because we wish to encourage healthy and productive dialogue we ask that all comments remain polite, free of profanity or name calling, and relevant to the original post and subsequent discussion. Comments will not be deleted because of the viewpoints they express, only if the mode of expression itself is inappropriate.